AAUW Helps Future Professionals Learn How to Negotiate Salaries

Aiken, SC (02/26/2018) — Students from both the University of South Carolina Aiken and Aiken Technical College are now better prepared to negotiate their initial salaries, thanks to the Aiken Chapter of the American Association of University Women.

AAUW offers its Start Smart program to students nationwide. Although Start Smart is now available to all students, it was originally designed to help women bridge the wage gap they often experience when they enter the workforce.

This unique program helps students identify and articulate their personal value; develop a bank of persuasive responses and negotiation strategies; and learn how to conduct market research to identify target salaries and benefits.

"Our hope is that you leave today's workshop with a refreshed sense of confidence, critical negotiation skills, and a new support network to cheer you on," AAUW Chief Executive Office Kimberly Churches wrote to the local Smart Start attendees.

"The American Association of University Women is committed to giving you the tools you need to thrive in the ever-growing and developing workforce."

The Start Smart workshop, conducted at USC Aiken, marked the first time the program was offered by the local AAUW chapter. Its members felt it important to include students from both of Aiken's institutions - the comprehensive four-year university and the two-year technical college.

"We sponsored this program with Aiken Tech as well as USCA because many Aiken Tech students go on to USCA when they finish their program at Aiken Tech," said Martha Ebel, president of the local chapter.

"Also, AAUW has a relationship with both schools."

The Aiken chapter of the organization was able to present Smart Start to 40 students, thanks to the generosity of two anonymous donors. Attendees who are on the cusp of entering the workforce believe the program will help set them up for financial success after graduation.

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